UPDATE: RELEASE TIME

Well, we actually have a Hard-SPL ready, what we *don't* have is an xperia, so, we're accepting your gracious donations so we can actually go and buy one and tinker with more hacks!
you can see the donation link in our signature - the big link saying "elite project".


Instructions to flash Hard-SPL:

it's recommended you run the basic package, and don't flash the other attachment (MFG SPL - it is only for hackers).

0a) make sure you have .NET framework installed on your PC! if not, get it from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
0b) if you have vista, WMDC update is recommended: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobi...ce-center.mspx
1) download Hard-SPL package from attachment, extract to an empty folder.
2) it is recommended you download only the X1_HardSPL_v1.zip unless you want to tinker with MFG SPL (MFG SPL 0.52 is a separate attachment).
3) you must Have Phone Synced with PC in Windows Mobile!
4) run X1_HardSPL.exe. (if you want to flash MFG SPL: at this point replace the extracted RUU_Signed.nbh with the MFG version of RUU_Signed.nbh)
5) follow steps in the RUU, and check on the device for prompts after PC shows loading bar.
6) it should go to tricolour screen now and say 0.52.OliNex.MFG (this is SSPL!).
7) Hard-SPL flashes, device automatically reboots, job done.
8 ) to confirm you got it installed, go into bootloader mode (tricolour screen!) and verify the screen shows 0.72.OliNex (or 0.52.OliNex MFG).

NOTE: you will not see the SPL version during normal boot, that is the OS version, not SPL!
to enter bootloader mode to see version: with the device turned OFF, press and hold the volume down button along with the power button, then release the power button, and finally release volume down button when bootloader tricolour screen appears.

NOTE 2: anyone having problems with the device entering SSPL automatically(your device doesn't go to tricolour screen), please copy Xperia-SSPL-Manual.exe from the Xperia-SSPL-Manual.zip attachment to the device and run it. then once the screen is in SSPL (tricolour screen saying 0.52.OliNex), run RUU on the PC (i.e. the rest of the hardspl package) manually.

NOTE 3: this is unsigned Hard-SPL. also, this has overwrite protection, if someone needs to revert to stock SPL for warranty reasons, a stock SPL downgrade package is also available here - scroll down!

NOTE 4: do not use this RUU to flash anything else! this is only intended for flashing the Hard-SPL. use Xperia CustomRUU to flash other ROM images. for example this version: http://rapidshare.com/files/164933503/X1_CustomRUU.zip


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IMPORTANT: extra Xperia-specific notes: the prerelease roms out there in the X1 ROMs thread are not going to flash on retail devices because the radios they include are only flashable on prerelease devices ("Security unlocked" message in SPL can be seen on these). so what you need to do is repack the NBH without the radio - this will only work with Hard-SPL though, as repacking breaks the HTC sign on the NBH file.
I had a tester upload a repackaged UK image, which will flash fine. you can find it in the x1 roms thread. =)

How to enter bootloader mode on your Xperia:

0. Make sure your phone battery is fully charged.
1. Turn off your phone.
2. Remove and reinsert the phone battery.
3. Press and hold first the volume down button on the phone and then the phone power button.
4. Continue holding the two buttons (volume down + power button) down until the phone display turns on and displays colored stripes.
5. Release the buttons.
6. Attach the USB-mini cable to the phone and the PC.
7. Take a cold beer :).
Delay a few minutes, or alternativity take a short nap
8. Follow included instructions.
9. Read again.
...
10. Start playing with your device